What Are Train Track Braces and How Do They Work?

What are Train Track Braces?

Train track braces use brackets and wires, which resemble the look of a train track. These types of fixed braces can be fitted to both adults and children to help straighten teeth and come in a variety of colours and designs. They are also available with clear designs that make it harder for people to see the braces when you talk or smile. 

You can use train track braces to help with the following dental issues:

• Crooked teeth or big gaps between teeth
• Poor jaw alignment, resulting in an underbite or overbite
• Difficulty while chewing, cheek biting and other problems

Fitting train track braces can feel uncomfortable, but most people will get used to them and feel no pain. Many types of braces can help straighten your teeth. They are all effective orthodontic treatment options but may come with different colours, materials, fitting positions and alignment methods.

As experts in delivering a range of dental treatments including train track braces, we are a good source of information on the various types of train track braces and how they work. You can get treatments to straighten your teeth in the Brighton and Hove area at our clinic, so please feel free to get in touch and book an appointment.

What Are the Main Types of Train Track Braces?

Here we will explain the different train track braces and tell you how they work. The main types of braces include the following: 

• Metal braces: Traditional metal braces are fitted to the front of the teeth using brackets with archwires. They are not discreet. You can get coloured braces, which people use to make braces less obvious and match their skin tone. Metal braces are suitable for adult braces and all other age groups.
• Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces work with the same principles as metal braces, as they are a type of fixed brace, but use a clear ceramic to reduce the likelihood of seeing the brackets. Like metal braces, the archwires commonly use small elastic bands, with clear or coloured bands available.
• Lingual braces: Lingual braces are not fitted to the front of the teeth and instead are positioned on the inside of the teeth, facing into the mouth. This is great if you want a discreet look during your treatment. Their position on the back of the teeth may be uncomfortable but should not cause any pain.
• Self-ligating braces: This type of brace cuts down on the number of dental appointments you need to complete your treatment. Self-ligating means ‘self-tightening’ and the wires are quite hard to see as they do not require bands to tighten. Fewer materials also mean eating and brushing is easier.

Before and after your treatment you will require a consultation to determine the most suitable option and check-ups to ensure the braces are working.

What Are the Best Braces?

There is no best option, it will depend on your circumstances. Sometimes it’s a bad idea to use a certain type of brace because of your particular issue, but other times it can be a lifestyle preference or another requirement. The following are some considerations when determining the best braces for your needs.

• Budget: Some types of train track braces are more expensive than others. Generally speaking, metal braces will be cheaper, and a good rule of thumb is that the more discreet the design is the higher price you will have to pay.
• Oral health and hygiene: If you have additional dental health issues such as tooth decay then you may be unable to use a certain type of brace. Certain braces are also more difficult to clean, so this may be another consideration.
• Appearance: The psychological issues that crooked teeth can cause are a major problem, but the appearance of some types of braces can also cause issues during treatment. In this case, discreet designs may be the best option.

There are several types of invisible braces, which are not a type of train track braces, including the brands Invisalign and Smilelign. The advantage of this design is that they are also removable braces, as they use clear plastic that fits perfectly on top of your teeth. Invisible braces are the best option if you want the most discreet look.

Train Track Braces Explained

Train track braces are a simple and pain-free way to straighten your teeth and fix other dental issues. There is a wide range of effective designs available, with discreet options for people who would like to avoid the appearance of fitted braces. Other types of braces are also good options for people who do not want a fitted design.

While there are many types of train track braces with different colours and fitting methods, the result is always straighter teeth, better jaw alignment or a more confident smile. You can get many orthodontic treatments in the Brighton and Hove area at our clinic, which offers top class care. Please feel free to get in touch today.